LAWRENCEVILLE – The Lawrenceville Volunteer Fire Department, in conjunction with St. Lawrence County Deputy Coordinator, Kevin Durant, were honored to award a young lady for her heroic actions.

Jeanette Rose McGuire was awarded a Challenge Coin from the County, something quite remarkable in itself, as well as the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators Certificate of Recognition. She was also awarded the Lawrenceville Hero Award and a hero pin.

She earned this recognition on Tuesday, June 23.

McGuire began the day as a normal 7 year old girl and ended it as a hero. A hero is described as "an ordinary person facing extraordinary circumstances and acting with courage, honor and self-sacrifice." A title she rightfully earned that day.

A trip to the river with her father, his friend, and two of her brothers began with glee and gladness. She was a very proud big sister when her four year old brother, Philip became the first child in their family to swim underwater.

She hollered to her father to share the excitement of such an exciting accomplishment. John, their father, has a background in Emergency Services and quickly recognized there was a problem.

Little Philip was not swimming, as the current made it appear, but instead was unconscious and not breathing.

John instructed Rose to bring Philip to him. Rose, without hesitation and without a thought about herself, jumped into action. She picked her brother up and carried him to John.

She kept calm and focused, carrying the weight of her brother to the waiting arms of their dad. John, utilizing his emergency training, began compressions while still in the water and continued them upon getting Philip up the river bank.

After, what was believed to be three minutes under water, he was brought back and began to breathe on his own once again. He has since made a full recovery.

The quick actions of Rose and her ability to listen, react, and stay calm helped save her brother's life that day.

She showed bravery, strength, and selflessness beyond her seven years. Being a hero must be a family trait, Rose following the footsteps and example set by her father.

“We are honored to have both of them in our Lawrenceville community and are thankful God used them to help save Philip that day,” said Lawrenceville Fire Chief Richard LaBeir.